Chelsea’s Frank Lampard admits he has sympathy for Tottenham

Chelsea's Frank Lampard admits he feels for Tottenham after they missed out on a Champions League spot, despite finishing fourth

Frank Lampard admits he has sympathy for Tottenham after Spurs were parachuted down into the Europa League despite finishing fourth as a result of Chelsea’s Champions League triumph.

Harry Redknapp, Lampard’s uncle, guided the Londoners to their second fourth-place finish in three seasons but missed out on a spot in Europe’s elite club competition after the Blues, who finished sixth in the league, lifted the trophy on in Munich on Saturday.

“There actually is [a bit of sympathy for Tottenham],” said Lampard after Saturday’s final. “I’m not a Tottenham fan, far from it because I grew up a West Ham fan and now I’m Chelsea through-and-through, but Harry’s done an amazing job at Tottenham.

“He doesn’t deserve that for the job he’s done. But we’ve done a professional job tonight and you can only think about yourself in these professional moments.”

Chelsea interim boss Roberto Di Matteo said he was only focused on the permutations concerning his club.

“I think the winner of the competition should obviously automatically qualify for next year’s competition, so I think that’s right,” he said. “Whether it’s unfair on another club, that’s not for me to judge.

“I think Harry Redknapp has done an extremely good job at Spurs by finishing in fourth position but we are just pleased for ourselves.”